Will NDA Allies Remain United During Bihar Seat-Sharing Talks?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The NDA is finalizing its seat-sharing arrangement for the Bihar elections.
- Alliance leaders are emphasizing unity and collaboration.
- Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi are key figures demanding fair seat allocations.
- Speculation of discord within the alliance has been dismissed by leaders.
- The official seat-sharing formula will be announced soon.
Patna, Oct 8 (NationPress) As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) moves towards finalizing its seat-sharing agreement for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections, leaders from the alliance have emphasized their solidarity, asserting that all member parties will participate in the elections with full vigor.
This development comes in response to requests from key partners such as Union Ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi, who are advocating for a just allocation of seats for their respective parties, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and the Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM).
Chirag Paswan is reportedly aiming for approximately 40 seats, while Manjhi is requesting a minimum of 15 seats.
The official seat-sharing arrangement has yet to be revealed.
BJP MP and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad dismissed rumors of any discord within the alliance, stating, "NDA is unified as a whole and will continue to be so."
JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan expressed that there is "no confusion" among NDA allies.
In an interview with IANS, he stated, "In seat-sharing, parties have specific expectations, and the distribution is sorted through rational discussions among all party leaders. There is no confusion anywhere, and the official statement will be made shortly."
Union Minister of State Nityanand Rai also dismissed claims of any division, highlighting the alliance's collective dedication to Bihar’s advancement.
"In NDA, there are individuals who prioritize Bihar's growth and the future of its children and citizens. To assure their welfare and happiness, India has intensified development efforts in Bihar, achieving notable progress in various areas," he remarked.
BJP MP Satish Chandra Dubey also dismissed speculations of tensions among the allies.
Speaking to IANS, he emphasized, "It's not like that. In Bihar, the NDA stands united with mutual respect. The five allies will contest the elections together, committed to unity, and consensus is being built. Together, we will surely face the elections with strength."